45 years ago today - Dec 19, 1980
The BYU football team wins the 1980 Holiday Bowl, the team's first bowl victory, over Southern Methodist University. In the final minutes, the Cougars make an impressive comeback capped by quarterback Jim McMahon's forty-six-yard "hail Mary" touchdown pass to tight end Clay Brown in the closing seconds of the game. The game is later called the "Miracle Bowl."
90 years ago today - Dec 19, 1935
[First Presidency to Sterling B. Talmage]
We have your letter of December 7, with reference to your father's sermon, 'The Earth and Man,' and to the statement made to you by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith regarding the same. You ask certain categorical questions concerning the sermon.
Inasmuch as categorical answers to your questions would not give ' even if it were possible to make them (which it is not)'a true picture of the situation, we feel it due you and your inquiry to advise you of exactly what happened, for your confidential information, regarding you father's sermon above referred to.
There were some antecedents to the preaching of the sermon, of which you may not be fully advised. Briefly they were as follows:
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith had preached a sermon expressing a view different from that later expressed in your father's sermon. The preaching of the sermon by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith brought some controversy between Brother Brigham H. Roberts and Brother Smith, which, after various exchanges, resulted in both brethren being told that they should cease their discussion of the matter.
Thereafter the matter seems to have been taken up with President Ivins by persons near to him who were not willing that the matter should be allowed to rest where it was. As a result of these activities, your father delivered the sermon, 'The Earth and Man.' It would seem that this was brought about through an arrangement between President Ivins and your father. The sermon was delivered at a meeting over which President Ivins presided.
Thereafter the sermon was brought to the attention of the Council of the Twelve, where it was the unanimous view, minus one, that the sermon should not be published. The one not fully approving of this decision asked that the opportunity be give your father so to recast the sermon as to make it acceptable. Accordingly there were some changes made in the sermon, and it was again submitted to the quorum of the Council of the Twelve. Upon this second submission it was again determined by the Twelve, one excepting, that the sermon should not be published. The member making the exception again pleaded that the sermon be further changed in order to make its publication possible.
At this point President Ivins withdrew the sermon from the consideration of the Council and himself decided that it should be published. It was printed within two or three days thereafter.
At the time this final decision was made, President Grant was not at home, and was not consulted.
The foregoing are the recorded facts with reference to the publication and 'approval' of the sermon, 'The Earth and Man.'
The later publication of the sermon in pamphlet form was made without president Grant's knowledge or consent, though, it is understood, with the approval of President Ivins.
You will see from the foregoing that the sermon 'The Earth and Man' cannot be regarded as an official expression of the Church, binding upon the Church and covering the subject matter discussed in the sermon. Its publication was never approved by the President of the Church.
We make this foregoing statement without making any comment at all upon the matters discussed in the sermon. The whole point of this explanation is that the sermon cannot be regarded as the official pronouncement of the Church. ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Sterling B. Talmage, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
We have your letter of December 7, with reference to your father's sermon, 'The Earth and Man,' and to the statement made to you by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith regarding the same. You ask certain categorical questions concerning the sermon.
Inasmuch as categorical answers to your questions would not give ' even if it were possible to make them (which it is not)'a true picture of the situation, we feel it due you and your inquiry to advise you of exactly what happened, for your confidential information, regarding you father's sermon above referred to.
There were some antecedents to the preaching of the sermon, of which you may not be fully advised. Briefly they were as follows:
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith had preached a sermon expressing a view different from that later expressed in your father's sermon. The preaching of the sermon by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith brought some controversy between Brother Brigham H. Roberts and Brother Smith, which, after various exchanges, resulted in both brethren being told that they should cease their discussion of the matter.
Thereafter the matter seems to have been taken up with President Ivins by persons near to him who were not willing that the matter should be allowed to rest where it was. As a result of these activities, your father delivered the sermon, 'The Earth and Man.' It would seem that this was brought about through an arrangement between President Ivins and your father. The sermon was delivered at a meeting over which President Ivins presided.
Thereafter the sermon was brought to the attention of the Council of the Twelve, where it was the unanimous view, minus one, that the sermon should not be published. The one not fully approving of this decision asked that the opportunity be give your father so to recast the sermon as to make it acceptable. Accordingly there were some changes made in the sermon, and it was again submitted to the quorum of the Council of the Twelve. Upon this second submission it was again determined by the Twelve, one excepting, that the sermon should not be published. The member making the exception again pleaded that the sermon be further changed in order to make its publication possible.
At this point President Ivins withdrew the sermon from the consideration of the Council and himself decided that it should be published. It was printed within two or three days thereafter.
At the time this final decision was made, President Grant was not at home, and was not consulted.
The foregoing are the recorded facts with reference to the publication and 'approval' of the sermon, 'The Earth and Man.'
The later publication of the sermon in pamphlet form was made without president Grant's knowledge or consent, though, it is understood, with the approval of President Ivins.
You will see from the foregoing that the sermon 'The Earth and Man' cannot be regarded as an official expression of the Church, binding upon the Church and covering the subject matter discussed in the sermon. Its publication was never approved by the President of the Church.
We make this foregoing statement without making any comment at all upon the matters discussed in the sermon. The whole point of this explanation is that the sermon cannot be regarded as the official pronouncement of the Church. ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Sterling B. Talmage, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
145 years ago today - Dec 19, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff]
Sunday I for the first time in my life talked with Elder Taylor through a telephone One Mile. Surly men have sought out many inventions.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sunday I for the first time in my life talked with Elder Taylor through a telephone One Mile. Surly men have sought out many inventions.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Dec 19, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
I have had many sollam /solemn/ feelings this day Concerning my Brothe[r] William [with whom he fought with a few days earlier] and have prayed in my heart to fervently that the Lord will not him /cast him/ off, but he may return to the God of Jacob and magnify his apostleship and calling. May this be his happy lot for the Lord of Glory's Sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
I have had many sollam /solemn/ feelings this day Concerning my Brothe[r] William [with whom he fought with a few days earlier] and have prayed in my heart to fervently that the Lord will not him /cast him/ off, but he may return to the God of Jacob and magnify his apostleship and calling. May this be his happy lot for the Lord of Glory's Sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
30 years ago today - Dec 18, 1995
Gordon B. Hinckley interviewed by Mike Wallace on CBS's ―60 Minutes.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
125 years ago today - Dec 18, 1900
[Brigham Young Jr.]
I am sixty-four years old today. I look back upon the experiences of my life with singular feelings. Often have I been on the verge of breaking my covenants when a merciful Father has snatched me as a brand from the burning and He has bought me with a price and saved me from myself. No man in this generation or in any other has been more miraculously preserved than I. When all was lost and I
had yielded to temptation, God has been there to intervene; again and again has this transpired. When leaden messengers have been showered like hail around me, a calmness has passed me'boon of the Holy Spirit. Thrown from a wild mule, my foot passed thru the stirrup firmly fixed to have dragged the life out of me a hundred times. Suddenly, I was torn loose and no harm ensued. My lower jaw and teeth shattered, my spine injured to death, God heard the prayer of His servants and I live unmaimed. How thankful I am to Him who hears and answers prayers and gives me daily breath who have been at point of death so often in the last four years.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
I am sixty-four years old today. I look back upon the experiences of my life with singular feelings. Often have I been on the verge of breaking my covenants when a merciful Father has snatched me as a brand from the burning and He has bought me with a price and saved me from myself. No man in this generation or in any other has been more miraculously preserved than I. When all was lost and I
had yielded to temptation, God has been there to intervene; again and again has this transpired. When leaden messengers have been showered like hail around me, a calmness has passed me'boon of the Holy Spirit. Thrown from a wild mule, my foot passed thru the stirrup firmly fixed to have dragged the life out of me a hundred times. Suddenly, I was torn loose and no harm ensued. My lower jaw and teeth shattered, my spine injured to death, God heard the prayer of His servants and I live unmaimed. How thankful I am to Him who hears and answers prayers and gives me daily breath who have been at point of death so often in the last four years.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Thursday, Dec. 18th, 1890
[Abraham H. Cannon]
Father [George Q. Cannon] holds that we who live on the earth now and are faithful, will stand at the head of our lineage and will thus become Saviors as has been promised us. Pres. John Taylor was not sealed to his parents though they died in the Church, as he felt that it was rather lowering himself to be thus sealed when he was an apostle and his father was a high priest; but this is rather a questionable proceeding.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
Father [George Q. Cannon] holds that we who live on the earth now and are faithful, will stand at the head of our lineage and will thus become Saviors as has been promised us. Pres. John Taylor was not sealed to his parents though they died in the Church, as he felt that it was rather lowering himself to be thus sealed when he was an apostle and his father was a high priest; but this is rather a questionable proceeding.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
140 years ago today - Dec 18, 1885
Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel RosKelley by Zebedee Coltrin ... thou whall [shall] have power over the elements insomuch that thou shall be able to control the waves of the sea and the winds, and they shall obey thy voice... the kings and the nobles of the earth shall tremble before thee, and the wicked shall flee away at thy presence, for thy voice shall be mighty before the Lord thy God, like that of a lion roaring from the forest that the earth shall tremble and the wicked shall flee, and the righteous shall rejoice before the Lord ... and thy sons shall become mighty men before the Lord, they shall be filled with the wisdom of heaven, and the knowledge of the Lord shall rest upon them, many of them shall be prophets, Seers and Revelators and Kings and Priests of the most High and their possessions shall become very great dwelling in the midst of the Zion of the Lord. Thy daughters shall become women of great renown, filled with wisdom of the heavens, and mighty power of
Jehovah shall rest down upon them, and upon their posterity, which shall become as the sands upon the sea shore for multitude, and they shall have great power before the Lord thy God, and thy children-'s children shall dwell among the sanctified and shall behold the Lord when he shall come in the Clouds of Heaven with all his Saints, and many of thy sons shall be of that number of the One Hundred and forty four thousand that shall be clother [clothed] upon with mighty power of Jehovah, and shall be his ministers in his Holy Sanctuary. ... and thou shalt behold the Lord when he shall come to his Temple, and shall do a great work upon the earth both for the living and the dead and shall assist in the redemption of thy father-'s house, and thou shalt become a mighty Prophet in the midst of the Sons of Zion, and thou shalt proclaim unto them the mighty word of God and the Angels shall administer unto you for they eventually shall be thy daily companions, in thy old age they shall be
around and about thee by day and by night and shall converse with thee face to face, and thou shall behold the visions of the heavens... and thou shall have power to heal the sick, and it shall be a gift unto thee that whomsoever thou shall command to make whole shall arise and be made well before the Lord. ... if necessary to raise the dead or to do anything that shall be pleasing unto the Spirit of the Lord thy God to dictate thee. ... and thy wives will honor thee ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Jehovah shall rest down upon them, and upon their posterity, which shall become as the sands upon the sea shore for multitude, and they shall have great power before the Lord thy God, and thy children-'s children shall dwell among the sanctified and shall behold the Lord when he shall come in the Clouds of Heaven with all his Saints, and many of thy sons shall be of that number of the One Hundred and forty four thousand that shall be clother [clothed] upon with mighty power of Jehovah, and shall be his ministers in his Holy Sanctuary. ... and thou shalt behold the Lord when he shall come to his Temple, and shall do a great work upon the earth both for the living and the dead and shall assist in the redemption of thy father-'s house, and thou shalt become a mighty Prophet in the midst of the Sons of Zion, and thou shalt proclaim unto them the mighty word of God and the Angels shall administer unto you for they eventually shall be thy daily companions, in thy old age they shall be
around and about thee by day and by night and shall converse with thee face to face, and thou shall behold the visions of the heavens... and thou shall have power to heal the sick, and it shall be a gift unto thee that whomsoever thou shall command to make whole shall arise and be made well before the Lord. ... if necessary to raise the dead or to do anything that shall be pleasing unto the Spirit of the Lord thy God to dictate thee. ... and thy wives will honor thee ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
145 years ago today - Dec 18, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff]
We Met with the Presidency of the [Ogden] Stake & High Council most of the Priesthood. Their has Exhisted a difficulty between the Authorities of the Church in that Place for a good while and the fore noon was taken up in teaching them and some Sharp Chastisements were given and I think the harts of Some were made to quake before the two Edged sword of truth by the Power of God. The spirit of God was with us.
We Met in the Afternoon and Organized 7 Prayer Circles but many of the Company had to settle their difficulties before they Could Enter the Prayer Circle. It was a profitable time.
Meeting opened by Prayer by W Woodruff. F D Richards spoke 15 M John Taylor 50, Joseph F Smith 50 M W Woodruff 20 m. The first Presidency & High Council formed one Circle The High Priest one. The 4 Bishops of the 4 wards of Ogden Each furnish a Circle And the Presidency of the Stake with the Bishop furnish another Circle and Br F D Richards organized the 7 Prayer Circls. We had an interesting time.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We Met with the Presidency of the [Ogden] Stake & High Council most of the Priesthood. Their has Exhisted a difficulty between the Authorities of the Church in that Place for a good while and the fore noon was taken up in teaching them and some Sharp Chastisements were given and I think the harts of Some were made to quake before the two Edged sword of truth by the Power of God. The spirit of God was with us.
We Met in the Afternoon and Organized 7 Prayer Circles but many of the Company had to settle their difficulties before they Could Enter the Prayer Circle. It was a profitable time.
Meeting opened by Prayer by W Woodruff. F D Richards spoke 15 M John Taylor 50, Joseph F Smith 50 M W Woodruff 20 m. The first Presidency & High Council formed one Circle The High Priest one. The 4 Bishops of the 4 wards of Ogden Each furnish a Circle And the Presidency of the Stake with the Bishop furnish another Circle and Br F D Richards organized the 7 Prayer Circls. We had an interesting time.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Dec 18, 1860
[Brigham Young]
Pres. [Heber C.] Kimball and [Daniel H.] Wells called in they [were] with Hosea Stout had some conversation about [U.S.] President Buchanan's Message, in which he had remarked that Utah was in a State of rebellion when he came into Office. The President felt justly indignant at this accusation, and said he should like to tell Buchanan he would have his portion with the liars and hypocrites.
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Pres. [Heber C.] Kimball and [Daniel H.] Wells called in they [were] with Hosea Stout had some conversation about [U.S.] President Buchanan's Message, in which he had remarked that Utah was in a State of rebellion when he came into Office. The President felt justly indignant at this accusation, and said he should like to tell Buchanan he would have his portion with the liars and hypocrites.
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Dec 18, 1845. Thursday.
In consequence of the great pressure of business during the week past it has been decided to devote Saturday to the purpose of washing the robes and other garments, which had been used in the business of initiating those who had come in through the vail, but there being a general desire in the minds of all those who had officiated in the ordinances particularly the Sisters, that the work should not cease, it was afterwards determined that the clothes should be washed this night, and it was accordingly done, by the labors of several sisters, taking up the greater part of the night.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
190 years ago today - Dec 18, 1835
William Smith submits a letter to Hyrum, begging for forgiveness because of the fight with Joseph and asking to be released from his apostleship because of his temper. Joseph answers, encouraging him to keep his apostleship, to control his temper, and "if at any time you should consider me to be an imposter, for heaven's sake leave me in the hands of God, and not think to take vengeance on me yourself. . . . David sought not to kill Saul, although he was guilty of crimes that never entered my heart."
[History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:338-43, referenced in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:338-43, referenced in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
90 years ago today - Dec 17, 1935
Bishop Cannon discussed with President McKay the subject of anointing with consecrated oil. The statement was made that Elder John A. Widtsoe had directed that the elders in Europe should anoint the head only. It was felt that if the sick person desires to be anointed by the elders on the afflicted part, this may be done and the sick person allowed to drink some of the consecrated oil. President McKay suggested that the matter be brought up again on the return of President Grant.
[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Dec 17, 1895
I am directed by the First Presidency to say in answer to your favor of [the] 10th inst., that in the cases to which you refer, the same rule holds good with regard to both living and dead. For those who have associated with any upon whom rests the curse of Cain[,] baptisms can be performed, but endowments cannot be received. The fact of them being dead does not make any difference in regard to this law.
[George Reynolds to Levi Savage, Dec. 17, 1895, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[George Reynolds to Levi Savage, Dec. 17, 1895, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Dec 17, 1885 (Thursday)
Bishop David K. Udall, of St. Johns, Ariz., who on a trumped up charge of perjury had been sentenced to imprisonment in Detroit, Michigan, was pardoned by Pres. Cleveland and immediately released.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Dec 17, 1860
The President [Brigham Young] had some conversation with him upon the Character of Pres[ident] James Buchanan and Daniel Webster, he noticed that Pres[ident] Buchanan would do things that would sacrifice his friends for ever and he would scarcely know why they had deserted him; he was wanting in a knowledge of men and things, whatever claim, he may have to ability in some things. He was a Keen shrewd politician to these remarks Mr. Edward Creighton courteously acquiesced....
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Dec 17, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
At 35 m[inutes] past 7, President B. Young came in, and at 9, appointed each man his particular duty for the day.
At 9, commenced washing . . .
At 20 minutes past 2 o clock P.M. Bishop Miller perfumed 45 Bottles of Oil after which the following brethren, viz. Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Amasa Lyman, George A. Smith, W. W. Phelps, and Joseph Young clothed themselves and retired to Elder Kimballs room, where after offering up the signs of the Holy Priesthood they dedicated and consecrated the whole for the anointing in the following order, viz: ... after which they consecrated 2 Bottles to the healing of the sick. They then offered up prayers for the sick and other subjects, according to our daily custom, Geo. A. Smith being mouth, at 3 o clock they undressed . . .
About 6 o dock, P.M. President Young selected the following persons to work on Thursday and notified them to be present . . .
He also selected a list of names of persons to be present on Friday to receive their washing and anointing; and put the list into the hands of John Pack to give notice to the individuals. About 20 minutes past 10, about 16 or 18 persons assembled in the east room and sung a hymn, and joined in prayer with President Young. He slept in the Temple, also his son Joseph and 10 or 12 other persons.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
At 35 m[inutes] past 7, President B. Young came in, and at 9, appointed each man his particular duty for the day.
At 9, commenced washing . . .
At 20 minutes past 2 o clock P.M. Bishop Miller perfumed 45 Bottles of Oil after which the following brethren, viz. Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Amasa Lyman, George A. Smith, W. W. Phelps, and Joseph Young clothed themselves and retired to Elder Kimballs room, where after offering up the signs of the Holy Priesthood they dedicated and consecrated the whole for the anointing in the following order, viz: ... after which they consecrated 2 Bottles to the healing of the sick. They then offered up prayers for the sick and other subjects, according to our daily custom, Geo. A. Smith being mouth, at 3 o clock they undressed . . .
About 6 o dock, P.M. President Young selected the following persons to work on Thursday and notified them to be present . . .
He also selected a list of names of persons to be present on Friday to receive their washing and anointing; and put the list into the hands of John Pack to give notice to the individuals. About 20 minutes past 10, about 16 or 18 persons assembled in the east room and sung a hymn, and joined in prayer with President Young. He slept in the Temple, also his son Joseph and 10 or 12 other persons.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Dec 17, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
....Brother Lucian R. Foster is now appointed to keep the Records of the endowment. Margaret came with me to the Temple this morning and received her washing and anointing. She was washed by Sister Patty Sessions and anointed by Sister Mary Ann Pratt wife of Elder Parley P. Pratt one of the Twelve. I conducted her through the remaining ceremonies and also received her through into the upper or Celestial department. I feel grateful for this privilege and for all the blessings I receive from day to day for the mercies of the Lord to me are great and many of them. I instructed Brother [Lucien R.] Foster in regard to keeping the Record and in the evening assisted Elder Young and Kimball to collect a list of brethren to come here on Saturday . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
....Brother Lucian R. Foster is now appointed to keep the Records of the endowment. Margaret came with me to the Temple this morning and received her washing and anointing. She was washed by Sister Patty Sessions and anointed by Sister Mary Ann Pratt wife of Elder Parley P. Pratt one of the Twelve. I conducted her through the remaining ceremonies and also received her through into the upper or Celestial department. I feel grateful for this privilege and for all the blessings I receive from day to day for the mercies of the Lord to me are great and many of them. I instructed Brother [Lucien R.] Foster in regard to keeping the Record and in the evening assisted Elder Young and Kimball to collect a list of brethren to come here on Saturday . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - 1840 Dec 17
The Council of Revision passes the Nauvoo charter. It will take effect on Feb. 1, 1841. The charter is then signed by Governor Carlin. It includes provisions for the city of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Legion, the University of the City of Nauvoo, and all other municipal necessities. In addition to Governor Carlin, Stephen A. Douglas, Illinois secretary of state, signs it. The charter was written by Joseph Smith, John C. Bennett, and Robert B. Thompson. Once the charter was complete, Bennett took it to the state legislature and pushed it through in 21 days. Bennett pushes through ordinance that all crime charges must be backed by 2-3 witnesses, allowing spiritual wifery to flourish.
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
190 years ago today - Dec 17, 1835
Joseph discusses Orson's letter with him "and satisfyed his mind upon every point." Joseph Sr. and Lucy, "sorely afflicted in mind" by the difficulty between Joseph and William, call on Joseph. He persuades them that "I was not to blame" and invites them to move in with him. They agree. I told Elder Cahoon, of the Temple committee, that we must sustain the Twelve, and not let them go down; if we do not, they must go down, for the burden is on them, and is coming on them heavier and heavier. If the Twelve go down, we must go down, and we must sustain them.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
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